irony

I learned that Oregon is the "least churched state" in the United States. The state is very liberal and doesn't believe in God as a whole. But, they love the outdoors. Things like, skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, camping and water sports are all very popular. I think it's ironic how many people believe that there is no creator, yet they find themselves connecting deeply with HIS creation. Many have no idea, that in doing their best to run in the opposite direction of God, have actually run right to HIM, they just choose not to see Him.

i made the world a better place

This morning while running I stopped long enough to pick up this water bottle cap. It was a small gesture to make the world a better place. I believe we all can make the world a better place everyday. So here is my challenge, for the next 3 days, do at least 1 thing to make the world a better place. It could be holding a door for someone, picking up a piece of trash or helping an old lady across the street. Whatever it is, it must make the world a better place. Ready........set......go!

God rocks

Last night at the camp service was really cool. The first night I could really feel a hardness of hearts in the students. So myself and the staff were really praying hard going into last night. Worship was going and it was like all at once something broke spiritually. It was incredible to watch and sense from the back of the room. God showed up and the kids within a matter of a few seconds all began to worship and go after God with a new hunger. In fact, I didn't even preach but just gave some direction. There was a hunger in that place. I have found that repentance, hunger and humility are some of the fastest ways into the presence of God. I just thank God that I get to witness a small piece of what He is doing across this Nation......and I am praying and hungering for a whole lot more!

mountain run

This morning I got up early and went for a run around a lake in the middle of the mountains. There were mountain peaks covered in snow off in the distance, as I ran through the huge pine trees. I feel so close to God when I run in a place like this. I love connecting with God, doing something He created me to do and that I am passionate about. God has designed us all so different and we connect with Him in different ways and on different levels. How do you connect with God?

hank

So, I'm drinking coffee in the Portland airport and start a conversation with a guy who is 80yrs old. He shares some incredible stories of his life. This guy has done everything at least once. I googled and found his picture with the Band KISS. He is legit! (never thought this pic would ever be on my blog) He was known as the "grandfather of modern rock n roll Pyro technics." That's him in the white cowboy hat on the back left. There is so much to learn from the "builder" generation. They were the one's upon who's backs this great country was built. He talked about God, politics and how he loved to help the kids of today. His life has been adventurous and has taken him all over the world. When I'm 80, I want some cool stories to tell to.....I just hope someone will listen.

2 questions

I learned that the ancient Egyptians believed that your eternity would be decided on how you answered 2 questions at the end of your life. #1. Did you find JOY while on the Earth? #2. Did SOMEONE ELSE find joy because of you? Yesterday afternoon (after a hot air balloon ride w/my kids...way cool), I slowed down and chilled in a lawn chair in the backyard and just watched my 3 kids play in a small blue swimming pool. I allowed joy to fill my heart as I began to tell God how grateful I am for all that HE has given me. I have found Joy in my life and want to make it a point to be a person that helps others find joy as well. My prayer is that all that I do point to the giver of JOY, Jesus Christ.

(Can you guess the movie where I learned about the 2 Egyptian questions?

Oregon

I ran the Violet Festival 5k, placing 6th in a time of 17:28. I got beat by all High School studs...bummer. Although I ran my best time of the year so far.
Tomorrow morning I fly out early to head to Oregon to speak 2 youth camps in 1 week from Sunday - Friday. It should be fun. It is awesome to know our C3 team has it all under control in my absence. In fact, it all probably runs better when I'm not there. Ha. Kelly Preston is speaking tomorrow and I'm sure she will do great. Her and her husband Greg were former missionaries to Morocco. Great hearts, incredible people. I look forward to hearing the good reports.

art sale

Last night we kicked off our discounted art sale. The first night was just for friends and family of C3'ers. We sell them for $10, $20, and $30. So far we have already made $1,600. Friday and Saturday we open in up to the public. 90% of the proceeds will go to helping us get the modular classroom here, and 10% will be given back to the City of Pickerington. We got all the art donated, through a contact of a guy in our church. We spent $100 on a Uhaul and gas to pick the art up. Can you say "FAVOR?"

mandela

This morning I read an article on Nelson Mandela and his leadership in Time magazine. His story is amazing! He stood for what was right and was thrown into prison for 27 years in South Africa. Mandela is finally freed and then is elected President. The article talked about how he lived and led looking DECADES ahead. Mandela wasn't looking to make small changes, but big one's. Changes that would cost someone a lot. For him, it cost him a good portion of his life. But the changes he made, now affect millions. The bigger the difference you want to make in this world, the greater the cost. What are you willing to pay?

testing

Today as I ran 4 x 1 mile repeats, I was enduring some discomfort.....OK, it was downright painful. But it got me thinking how we never truly know who we are or what level we can rise to, until we are really tested or challenged. For it is in those times where we are tested to go to new levels, that we either shrink away or go to a whole new level. So, have you been challenged or tested lately and how did you do? Don't shrink back, but meet them gladly. Remember, the pride lasts longer than the pain!

WE WON

Last night our softball team made history. We are having the greatest season in C3 softball history.....with 2 wins (One of which was by a forfeit). But last night was legit. I hate losing, but it has been interesting playing with our guys through a season with only 1 win last year and now with only our 2nd win. We have come up just short of winning on a few occasions. Now if we win 3 more games, we make it to the tournament. I have learned that both winning and losing will test you. Winning tests your life in the area of pride, while losing tests you in the area of attitude and humility. Maybe we just had more to learn in the losing department (HA).

good friends

This past week, I hung with a good friend (Heath McCoy) whom I haven't seen in probably a couple of years. You know they are a good friend when after a couple of minutes, you are right back where you left off. Another way to tell, is that you don't have to force the conversation. Probably the biggest one though, is that you can sit in silence and not feel awkward. Still some others would be the inside jokes and communicating through a "look" or a facial expression. Anyway, good friends are hard to come by and when you do find one, don't take it for granted.

big mac

Yesterday, I had a Big Mac on the way to the airport. I love a Big Mac but hadn't eaten one in probably 6 months. It tasted soooo good, at least for the time being. Then I started feeling like junk. Nutritional value on a Big Mac is almost non-existent. I felt like I had watered down gasoline in my gas tank. I try to eat a lot more healthy now a days. I have found that you get hungry for what you eat. I used to smell the greasy fries and pull in to McD's, but now it doesn't phase me. If you eat junk, you crave junk. If you eat and drink healthy stuff, you crave healthy stuff. Once again, we form our habits and our habits form us, both spiritually and physically. What are you eating?

Camp

I love camp. Camp is a place where kids are forced to step away from the internet, texting, IM, facebook, myspace, youtube, video games, ipods, cell phones.....you get my drift. They walk away from a lot of noise and begin to hear God speak in their lives. This week God showed up huge! Wednesday night, I didn't even speak but went straight into the altar time. I love to see a kid get touched by God. There were a ton of testimonies of the cool things God did. I used to get real nervous before I would speak at a camp or convention. I have found the spiritual attack ramps up some as well. Once, I was behind the stage about to go up to speak and feeling inadequate. That what I had prepared wasn't that great and that there are several other "better" speakers. That's when God reminded me that I'm only the servant, and am responsible for only what I can do. God is the one who draws people to Himself, and He is responsible for the fruit. I never want to forget that I'm just the servant!

Dunkin Donuts

This morning myself, Tim Moen, Heath McCoy and Ralph Clark got to have coffee @ Dunkin Donuts (they own the NE) with District Supt. Bob Wise. I love asking questions and listening to someone who has wisdom. I could feel the Spirit of God in that donut shop. Pastor Bob oozed passion and strong Christian Leadership. He shared several gold nuggets, one of which was "don't just pastor a church, pastor a city." Before he got up to leave, I asked if he would pray for us, and he did. I walked away with a responsibility for my generation to take the torch and run faster and farther than ever before. I can honor men of God like him, by continuing to spread this life changing message of Jesus Christ.

New Hampshire

Last night was the first night of camp and it went well. God did some cool stuff in the lives of these students. The vast majority of the students came forward to make commitments to Christ or understanding their true identity is found in Jesus Christ. That it is not what they do, but who they are.....Children of God.
This morning I got a good 7-8 miles in running on some dirt trails through the mountain forests in the White Mountains. BE UA TI FUL! It was in the high 50's this morning. Anyway, I'm anxious to see what God does tonight. Pray that Jesus blows this place up with HIS presence.

heading northeast

Tomorrow I will wake up early and board a plane for New Hampshire. I get to be the speaker for a youth camp with my friend Tim Moen the DYD and my boy Heath McCoy (formerly from OHIO). Heath was my camp director for OH when I was the State Youth Director. He is the camp director there now. It will be like old times. It will be good to catch up with a good friend.
Today, we had a ton of guests at C3! It was a byproduct of our big community event the day before. Also, we started a series called WHYi. Today was "WHYi smile," and we talked about joy. My main point was, "our joy, or lack of, is determined by our focus." If we focus on circumstances, our happiness is all based on chance. If we focus on Christ, our joy is constant.

lemonade

Today was the day of our big, free, community event called "Summer Extreme." Our church body never ceases to amaze me. We have some amazing people that truly make the difference. Anyway, the anchor big events today were the free hot air balloon rides and the big inflatables. But as life would have it, it was too windy for the hot air balloon rides and for some reason the inflatable company was over an hour late. The only 2 things we had no control over, did not come through. In other words, we were delivered lemons. So what do you do? Make lemonade! Our C3'ers kept positive and it all worked out in the end. The inflatables did finally show and we had a good event. This is all part of life. If we allow our circumstances to decide our emotions and our outlook on life, it could be pretty miserable. On the other hand, if our joy is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can make the best of any situation. So when life throws you a lemon, make lemonade!

conversation

Lisa Kirk said, "A gossip is one who talks to you about others; a bore is one who talks to you about himself; and a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself."
I have found I can get a good read on someone in a conversation by how much talking they do about themselves. The sharper people and leaders I have met, will answer my questions and then will try to turn the conversation back to me. Also, I can read a lot by how they make me feel by the end of the conversation. So personally, I want to be the person who is genuinely interested in the other person and leave with them feeling good about themselves.

power of a name

Last night before bed, I was reading to my boys from their Bible. I came across the story of the prophet Elisha. My son Kross's middle name is Elisha. I told him that we named him that believing that God is going to give him a double portion of God's blessing, favor and power. Then Kaden asked what his name meant. I told him it means "mighty warrior." (I think that is what it means...if not, it does now!) I said, "so every time I say "Kaden," I am calling you mighty warrior." To look in that kid's eyes at that moment, I could see a confidence welling in his heart. At that moment I could sense that he felt he could take on the world. I told him that he was going to be a "mighty warrior" for Jesus Christ and that he would change the world......and he went to sleep that night, actually believing he could. As a Dad, I will do my best to cultivate those words and pray that it comes to pass.

values

I have heard it said, that our core values are prophets of our destinies. It's like our default. We can change our behaviours with our diet, attitude and even our walk with God, but we will eventually fall back to our values. I had several students in Youth Ministry who changed their behaviour while they had a youth pastor caring for them. Soon after that though, were back to not serving God because they went back to living their values. Change your values, change your life. What do you truly value?

It always takes longer

Today, we got the low down on the 2 classroom modular unit we are trying to get to C3. There are so many hoops that have to be jumped through and it takes forever. I'm half tempted to hook it up to a pick-up truck, drive to the church and dump it. Then you could then visit me in jail! I am learning that things like this and in life, it usually takes longer than we want it to. I know in my own life as I work through my own issues and grow, it always takes longer. I guess I must learn to be more patient. Although I'm hesitant to pray for patience, because God responds with more opportunities to show patience...ha.

another experiment

7 months ago we launched our Sunday night service that had a smaller more intimate feel. We have not seen the growth in that service that we have in the other 2, so we are going to try something else with it. In September we are going to roll out a new service geared specifically to young adults. We have formed a committee of some younger leaders to help us put it together. Time will tell.

small town feel

I love the small town feel of Pickerington. Last night we sat on the side of the street with thousands of others and watched the July 4th parade. People actually set their chairs out on the street in the morning to make sure they get a good spot. Then we went to some friends house to watch the Pickerington fireworks. It was great hanging with my family and our friends. I love this place that God has called us to serve.

Word

I love it when God confirms something in my heart and spirit. Today, while leaving the coffee shop I frequently visit, I met a man who gave me a Word. I could sense that He was a man of God, when I shook his hand. He then said, "God just gave me a Word for you." He then began to "read my mail" and challenged me with a few things that I had been seeking God for. What he had to say was right on and was truly an encouragement to me. I will say, that I never just receive something spoken over me until I have "tested" it. Does it line up with God's Word, with the person of Jesus Christ? Does it bear witness with my heart and spirit? We are all imperfect people, sometimes our "flesh" can get in the way and a word can be more from us then from God. This is why it is the responsibility of the one receiving a Word, to test it.

zoo day

Wednesday morning I'll get up early and run a 3 mile warm up, 6 x 1/2 mile repeats at 5:30 pace, (11mph) and then a 2 mile cool down. Ha....that is for the 1 runner who actually reads this. Then we are going with my brother Josh and his family to the Columbus Zoo. I always love my time with my family and hanging with my brother and his wife is a special bonus! I always want to put a high importance on spending time with my family. I want my kids growing up and loving the church and Jesus, and not resenting them for stealing their dad.

hunger

My prayer lately, is that God would increase my hunger for more of him and enlarge my burden for those who don't know Christ. I think it is easy for Christians and even Pastors to get in a routine and lose sight of what is important and why we are here on this planet. I'm here to reveal Jesus to the world through my life according to His Will. I don't ever want to lose sight of that. God is increasing my hunger for more of Him. As I begin to eat more spiritually, I begin to hunger for spiritual things from God. We hunger for what we eat. I want to hunger for the things of God.